POLICE are treating a blaze which has wrecked Stafford's Salvation Army centre as suspicious.

It is also being linked to two other incidents overnight.

Serious damage was caused to the Faraday Road community centre in the blaze which broke out in the early hours of this morning. The roof has been destroyed and the interior gutted. Crews spent more than three hours tackling the fire, leaving the scene at 7am.

An investigation is ongoing, said a Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman. No-one was injured.

Earlier in the night, at 1.47am bins were set alight on Crooked Bridge Road while smoke was reported at 2.30am emanating from Eddison Road.

A Salvation Army member, who did not wish to be named, said: "It's very sad news. Members have visited the scene this morning to see the damage for themselves. I have been in the Salvation Army all my life and the Army was due to celebrate the 30th anniversary of being in this building in November."